Towards Quantum MRI: the theory of quantum sensing with single spins

New developments in single-spin sensing using NV colour centers in diamond open up the prospect of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) on the nanoscale or even atomic scale. An exciting and recent development are coherence based sensing detection techniques that probe the quantum entanglement between the NV spin and surrounding nuclear spins in the environment. The project would include investigation and development of techniques to enhance the control nuclear spins as memory registers for the quantum state of the sensor as well as the development of efficient protocols for imaging and relating the underlying atomic scale data to the measured coherence . The particular focus will be on dynamical-decoupling based AC-sensing techniques. Methods will include Floquet-theory based techniques and extending these methods to scenarios involving control of multiple nuclei and imaging with multiple NVs witha view towards wide-field imaging. A priority would be on interaction with experimental collaborators and realistic simulations as well as more mathematical approaches.